STACK #138 Apr 2016

DVD & BD REVIEWS

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The Force is strong in this one. STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Release Date: 13/04/16 Format:

TOP HITS

BD ONLY EXTRAS

Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey The Story Awakens: The Table Read Crafting Creatures Building BB-8 Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force John Williams: The Seventh Symphony

No movie could possibly live up to the hype and fervent expectation that surrounded The Force Awakens , but J.J. Abrams has admirably delivered the first worthy successor to the original Star Wars trilogy. He gives diehard fans exactly what they want and introduces the galaxy far, far away to a whole

Deleted Scenes Force for Change

JB HI-FI EXCLUSIVE

Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook

the Millennium Falcon being pursued by TIE Fighters – it’s pure Star Wars as we know it and love it. Although set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi , narrative similarities with A New Hope are unavoidable – and no doubt intentional. By using a familiar template as the springboard for a new trilogy, and leaving enough unanswered questions to set up Episode VIII, the Star Wars universe can now expand in new and unexpected directions. SH • See page 28

new generation through a trio of thoroughly endearing new characters. Winsome scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), defecting stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), and loveable ball droid BB-8 join forces with seasoned vets Han Solo, Chewie and Leia to take on the First Order – an evil regime that has risen from the Dark Side and the ashes of the fallen Empire. There are stormtroopers, a masked Dark Lord, a planet-destroying superweapon,

FURTHER VIEWING

Star Wars: A New Hope

DVD&BD

Rising son. CREED

Release Date: 06/04/16 Format:

TOP HITS

EXTRAS

DVD & BD

Becoming Adonis

BD ONLY

Know the Past, Own the Future Deleted Scenes

DID YOU KNOW...

After watching him in a trilogy of Expendables movies over the last five years, it’s easy to forget that there’s a good actor inside of Sylvester Stallone. His supporting role Oscar nomination this year for Creed was a reminder that Rocky Balboa is undeniably Sly’s greatest screen creation, and after six movies in and out of the ring, he’s back to mentor the son of late rival and friend

Ryan Coogler wanted to uphold the series’ father/son theme. “It’s a sport where you need to lean on other people,” the filmmaker said. “You see fighters have this bond with their trainer. We saw it with Tyson and Cus D’amato. We saw it with Rocky and Mick. It’s a very special bond. We wanted to capture that.”

like a natural continuation of a franchise that reached its conclusion with 2006’s Rocky Balboa . By passing the torch and repurposing the first film’s winning formula, Creed reinivorgates the series and reminds seasoned viewers what they loved about the early Rocky movies. Much better than expected, and highly recommended. • See page 26

Apollo Creed in Ryan Coogler’s spirited spin-off. Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is determined to follow in his father’s championship footsteps, but he needs the now retired Rocky to help him do it. With its strong focus on character complementing the fight scenes and training montages, Creed feels

FURTHER VIEWING

Southpaw

APRIL 2016

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